Gate latch



v M. AINSWORTB GATE LATCH Filed Nov. '7 1922 1 MW! ML M9. g GD J MW Min dlflfll ik Patented N v. 20,1923.

' UNITED st Y MARK Amswon'rn, or KANSAS crrxnIsso nI,

. LGATE LATCH.

Application filed November 7,1322. Serial No. 599,542. I 2

' Kansas City, in the county of Jackson and State of Missouri, have invented a new and useful Gate Latch, of which the following is a specification. r

This invention relates to latch constructions, and more particularly to latches constructed to move to their active positions, by gravity.

. Another object of the invention is to provide a latch including comparatively few parts, and wherein the necessity for the use ofsprings for actuating the latch is eliminated.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the coinbination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed, maybe made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Referring to the drawing:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view disclosing a portion of a gate and supplied with a latch member constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is a front elevational view thereof.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Figure 2.

' Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on line l-4 of Figure 1.

Referring to' the drawing in detail, the reference character 5 designates the body portion of the latch which is formed of sheet metal and provided withv an inwardly extended section 6 stamped from. the body portion 5. This extension is curved as shown at 7 to cooperate with the inwardly extended arms 7, to hold the latch member, to be hereinafter more fully described, against displacement.

The arms 7 are also formed integral of the body portion and disposed laterally thereof, the arms extending rearwardly as clearly shown by Figure 1 of the drawings, to lie in proximity with the side faces of the gate 8. As shown, the gate is cut away as at 9 to receive the latch member and inwardly extended section 6 and provide a compartment in which the latch member operates. V

Formed in the upper edges of the arms 7 are the notches 10 that receive the transversely extending bar 11, forming the support for the latch member proper.

11 is relatively narrow as compared with the latch operating arms 12, thereby presenting shoulders .13 to further hold the operating arms and latch member against movement longitudinallyof the arms The bar Depending from the bar 11 is a latch mem- 1 her 14 whichis formed integral with the bar. and extends forwardly as clearly shown by Figure 3 of the drawing, the extreme. lower end thereof extending through the opening inclined as at 16 to cause the same to ride over the outer portion of the keeper, not shown, and position itself in the keeper. An opening 17 is formed in each of the arms 7 and is adapted to register. with the opening 18 of the arm 12 associated therewith, so that a suitable padlock or device may be positioned therein, to lock the arms 12 and 7 together and prevent movement of the latch member. I

At the rear ends of the arms '12, are handles 19 for the convenient operation of the latch member. From the foregoing it will be seen that due to the construction of the latch member and relation of'the arms 12 with respect thereto, the latch member will normally liein a position as indicated by Figure 3 of the drawing, the weight ofthe arms 12 being sufficient to overbalance the latch member.

Suitable openings are provided in the bodyp'ortion 5. for the reception of the screws 20,v whereby the device may be secured to agate.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed asnew is I LA latch member including a body porlOOn tion, an inwardly extended member stamped from the body portion, rearwardly extends ing arms formed integral with the body portion and. having notches formed in the upper edges thereof, said body portion having an opening, a latch member including a bar and rearwardly extending arms, and said arms adapted to overbalance the latch mem ber to cause the latch member to extend through the opening in thebody portion.

2. A latch member including a body portion an inwardly extended member stamped from the body portion, supporting arms formed integral with the body portion, a"

latch member including a horizontal bar p0- sitioned on the inwardly extending arms and. disposed under the lnwardly extended member, arms forming a part of the latch member, said body portion having an opening to receive the latch member, and said arms adapted to normally move the latch member 'EllCOllfll') the openin in testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have hereto afiixed my signature in the presence of two Witnesses.

MARK AINSVVORTH. Witnesses:

A. G. LooFF, O. W. BERRY. 

